Even Republicans Are Warning Against Unilateral War with Iran

President Trump has issued a public ultimatum to Iran: reach a “meaningful” nuclear deal within 10–15 days or face “really bad things.” At the same time, aircraft carriers, warships, and jets have been deployed across the Middle East in a significant military buildup. This is not a hypothetical debate. It is an active countdown. Iran has warned that if attacked, it will retaliate against U.S. bases and assets in the region. Oil prices have climbed amid fears of conflict. Markets are reacting. Allies are urging restraint. Importantly, concern about escalation is not confined to one party. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican, has joined Democrat Ro Khanna in introducing H.Con.Res. 38 to require congressional authorization before U.S. forces engage Iran. In the Senate, Tim Kaine is leading a parallel effort, S.J.Res. 59. Senator Rand Paul has repeatedly warned that bombing campaigns in the Middle East often strengthen hardliners rather than weaken them, and has cautioned against rushing into another conflict without clear constitutional authorization. This is not about partisan politics. It is about constitutional authority and national interest. The Constitution gives Congress — not the President alone — the power to declare war. The War Powers Resolution exists specifically to prevent unilateral military action absent imminent threat. An ultimatum backed by carrier strike groups does not override that requirement. We have seen how quickly “limited strikes” can expand. We have heard regime-change rhetoric before. We have paid the cost — in American lives, trillions of dollars, regional instability, and long-term geopolitical consequences. A strike on Iran would not occur in isolation. Iran retains significant retaliatory capability. Escalation could endanger U.S. personnel, destabilize the Strait of Hormuz — through which a substantial portion of global oil flows — spike energy prices, revive inflation, and strain American households already under economic pressure. Even many Americans who strongly oppose Iran’s nuclear ambitions do not support another open-ended war in the Middle East. If the administration believes military action is necessary, it must present its case to Congress, define its objectives, outline escalation contingencies, and seek authorization. Congress must: • Pass H.Con.Res. 38 and S.J.Res. 59. • Publicly affirm that no strike on Iran may occur without authorization. • Demand full intelligence briefings. • Exhaust diplomatic avenues before any use of force. When Republicans and Democrats alike raise constitutional concerns, Congress should listen. An ultimatum is not a declaration of war. Only Congress can make that decision. Act now — before a 10-day deadline becomes a generational conflict.